umran2014: fostering ecosphere in the built...

UMRAN2014: Fostering Ecosphere In The Built Environment

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UMRAN2014 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Program Advisor Asst. Prof. Dr. Nor Zalina Harun

Chairman UMRAN2014 Asst. Prof. Dr. Aniza Abu Bakar

Program Director Aizuddin Iklil Shah Ahmad Shafiee

Asst. Program Director Muhammad Ruzaini Roslan

Secretariat

Haizal Baharuddin

Lukman Ramli

Norsyafiqah Abd Kadir

Nurkhaleda Mohd Nasir

Treasurer

Annur Jalilah Ramlan (Head)

Aimi Zarak Ali

Nur Athirah Kassim

Scientific Review

Committee

Nurul ‘Ain Mohd Norddin (Head)

Nabila Farhah Mohd Noor

Noor Aqmal Hakim Noor Azman

Norul Hafizah Yusoff

Nur Emira Ahmad Kamaruddin

Nur Fatin Rashidah Abdul Ropal

Nur Ikma Mohamad Nasir

Nurul Hani Muhamad Noh

Scientific Reviewer

Emeritus Prof. LAr. Dr. Ismawi Hj. Zen

Asst. Prof. Dr. Aida Kesuma Azmin

Asst. Prof. Dr. Aliyah Nur Zafirah Sanusi

Asst. Prof. Dr. Aniza Abu Bakar

Asst. Prof. Dr. Fadzidah Abdullah

Asst. Prof. Dr. Izawati Tukiman

Asst. Prof. Dr. Jamilah Othman

Asst. Prof. Dr. Lukman Hakim Mahamod

Asst. Prof. Dr. Maheran Yaman

Asst. Prof. Dr. Mariana Mohamed Osman

Asst. Prof. Dr. Mazlina Mansor

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nor Zalina Harun

Asst. Prof. Dr. Norzailawati Mohd. Noor

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nurul Hamiruddin Salleh

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nurul Syala Abdul Latip

Asst. Prof. Dr. Rashidi Othman

Asst. Prof. Dr. Rosniza Othman

Asst. Prof. Dr. Rustam Khairi Zahari

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sufian Hamat

Asst. Prof. Dr. Syafiee Shuid

Asst. Prof. Dr. Tan Chin Keng

Asst. Prof. Dr. Zainul Mukrim

Baharuddin

Asst. Prof. Dr. Zaiton Abdul Rahim

Asst. Prof. Dr. Zumahiran Kamarudin

Asst. Prof. Dr. Zuraini Denan

Asst. Prof. LAr. Dr. Khalilah Zakariya

Asst. Prof. LAr. Dr. Mohd Ramzi

Mohd Hussain

Asst. Prof. LAr. Dr. Nurhayati Abdul

Malek

Assoc. Prof Dr. Abdul Razak Sapian

Assoc. Prof. Dr. M. Zainora Asmawi

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Md. Mizanur Rashid

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Zin Mohamed

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Hanita Abdul

Majid

Jasasikin Bin Ab Sani

Mohd. Fairullazi Ayob

Putri Haryati Ibrahim

Roziha Che Haron

Protocol Committee

Muhammad Ariff Faisal Azhar (Head)

Nik Nor Asiah Nik Nor Azman

Norsyahira Ariffin

Nurfaezah Ghani

Sponsorship Committee

Muhammad Saddam Husin Daud (Head)

Aisyah Mahmood

Nur Syakirah Mohmad Sayuti

Multimedia & Promotion

Committee

Muhammad Faiz Adul Malek (Head)

Aslina Abdul

Kamil Fahmi Ali

Mu’az Mohamed Zainal Abidin

Wan Mohamad Saifuddin Wan

Hashim


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Preparation & Technical

Committee

Aiman Yusri (Head)

Ainul Samihah Albahori

Farha Salim

Mohamad Nur Ridhwan Mohd Nordin

Mohd Nasrul Nafizie Mad Nafiah

Muhammad Saufi Daud

Nazliah Hani Mohd Nasir

Noor Fatin Syakilla Zubir

Noor Sharlisa Dawi

Nur Fadhilah Rozali

Siti Nor Ain Nasihah Mustfar

Food & Beverage

Committee

Liyana Bakeri (Head)

Nur Yasmin Mohd Adnan

Muhammad Faridzman Samani

Registration &

Proceeding Committee

Ainatul Izzah Ishan (Head)

Nor Hidayah Ramlan

Nur Ezzati Adnan

Nur Syahirah Masdar

Nurlaili Firdaus Che Othman


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UMRAN2014 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE i-ii

TABLE OF CONTENT iii-v

PREFACE vi-vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT viii

THEME: FOSTERING ECOSPHERE IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Session A: Exceeding The Norm Of Sustainability In Built Environment

1. Human Dimension On Fish And Amphibian As Indicators For A

Healthy Environment In Urban Lakes Of Kuala Lumpur Lukman Ramli, Liyana Bakeri and Zainul Mukrim Baharuddin

1

2. Assessing The Implication Of Ecology On Scenic Beauty Preferences Of

Fraser Hill Nur Emira Ahmad Kamaruddin, Nur Fatin Rashidah Abdul Ropal and Jamilah

Othman

16

3. The Impact Of Landscape Setting And Architectural Element On

The Outdoor And Indoor Microclimate: A Case Study Of Masjid Al-

Mukarramah, Bandar Sri Damansara Nur Yasmin Mohd Adnan, Nur Fadhilah Rozali, Aniza Abu Bakar, Nurhayati Abdul

Malek, Rosniza Othman and Aliyah Nur Zafirah Sanusi

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4. The Impact Of The Outdoor Design And Architectural Dimension Of

Masjid SHAS Towards Microclimate Aslina Abdul, Nur Ikma Mohamad Nasir, Aniza Abu Bakar, Nurhayati Abdul Malek,

Rosniza Othman and Aliyah Nur Zafirah Sanusi

49

5. Aspect Of Tree For Controlling Outdoor Microclimate: A Case Study In

IIUM Mohamad Nur Ridhwan Mohd Nordin, Mohd Nasrul Nafizie Mad Nafiah, Aniza Abu

Bakar and Amira Nadhirah Mohamad

58

6. Study On Wild Birds And Elderly People In Relation To Sustainable

Construction Noor Sharlisa Dawi, Nur Syahirah Masdar and Ismawi Hj. Zen

72

7. Tourists’ Perceptions Towards Nature Trail Facilities Management:

A Case Study Of Bukit Nanas Forest, Kuala Lumpur Siti Nazirah Kamaruddin and Mohd Zin Mohamed

89

8. The Effect Of Landscape Design On The Values Of Housing Areas

In Klang Valley Fitrynadia Mohd Shahli, Mohd Ramzi Mohd Hussain, Izawati Tukiman and

Nurbazliah Zaidin

106

Session B: Vitalized Built Environment As Catalyst For Heartier Community

9. Examining The Social And Communal Values Of Urban Square

Towards Families And Youth Muhammad Ruzaini Roslan, Noor Aqmal Hakim Noor Azman and Khalilah Zakariya

121


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10. Provision Of Spaces And Space Quality In Housing Area Towards

Quality Of Life: Case Study Of Taman Melati Mastika, Gombak Muhammad Faiz Abdul Malek, Wan Mohamad Saifuddin Wan Hashim, Aniza Abu

Bakar, Nurhayati Abdul Malek, Rosniza Othman, Aliyah Nur Zafirah Sanusi and

Mohamad Abdul Mohit

135

11. Emerging Relationship Of Spatial Design And The Activity Form Of

Urban Park Nur Ezzati Adnan, Nor Hidayah Ramlan and Izawati Tukiman

151

12. Evaluating Guidelines On Open Space And Its Impact Towards Users

Satisfaction In PPR Housing Area Nur Athirah Kassim, Nurlaili Firdaus Che Othman and Mahadi Katang

166

13. The Quality Of Housing Environment And Green Open Space

Towards Quality Of Life Ainatul Izzah Ishan, Nurul ‘Ain Mohd Norddin and Nurhayati Abdul Malek

183

14. Physical Factors And Social Attributes For The Liveliness Of Urban

Plaza At Bintang Walk, Kuala Lumpur Nabila Farhah Mohd Noor, Aimi Zarak Ali and Mazlina Mansor

199

15. A Review On Contribution Of Landscape Settings In Hot-Humid Region

Towards Modification Of Outdoor Microclimate Amira Nadhirah Mohamad, Aniza Abu Bakar and Aliyah Nur Zafirah Sanusi

215

16.

Urban Green Spaces In Determining The Housing Price: A Theoretical

Framework Mohd Nasrul Hanis Manzahari, M.Zainora Asmawi and Noorzailawati Mohd Noor

233

Session C: Green Technology Innovation As An Indicator For Emerging

Challenges

17. A Study On Homestay Concepts Of Tourism Program Development In

Malaysia Muhammad Saufi Daud, Muhammad Saddam Husin Daud, Muhammad Faridzman

Samani and Rashidi Othman

245

18. Visitor Perceptions Of Water Fountains Towards Space (Indoor ,

Outdoor) Kamil Fahmi Ali, Siti Nor Ain Nasihah Mustfar and Jasasikin Ab.Sani

259

19. A Study On Urban Morphology Using GIS , Remote Sensing Technique Marina Mohd Nor and Norzailawati Mohd Noor

273

20. Perception Of Campus Community Towards The Application And

Practicality Of Campus Farming In International Islamic University

Malaysia, Gombak Norul Hafizah Yusoff, Nurfaezah Ghani and Putri Haryati Ibrahim

288

21. A Study On The Importance Of Material Selection For Hardscape

Surface Structure Mu’az Mohamed Zainal Abidin, Aiman Yusri and Mohd Ramzi Mohd Hussain

303


v

Published by Department of Landscape Architecture, Kulliyyah of Architecture and

Environmental Design International Islamic University Malaysia Copyright©2014

Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design

ISBN 978-983-3142-32-3

All rights reserved. The authors are solely responsible for the statement made and

opinions expressed in it and its publication does not imply that such statements and/or

opinions are/or reflect the views or opinions of the Editors and Publisher. While every

effort has been made to trace and acknowledge copyright, however if infringement

should have occurred, the Editors and Publisher tender our apologies and upon this

being pointed out would take steps to make the necessary correction.

22. The Potential Of Water Filtration System For IIUM Gombak Norsyafiqah Abd Kadir, Nurkhaleda Mohd Nasir and Izawati Tukiman

312

23. A Study On The Potential Of Campus Outdoor Classroom In KICT,

IIUM, Gombak Nur Syakirah Mohmad Sayuti, Nurul Hani Muhamad Noh and Maheran Yaman

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24. The Potential Of Outdoor Space Utilization For Learning Interaction Nazliah Hani Mohd Nasir, Farha Salim and Maheran Yaman

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Session D: Culture And Art Towards Enhancing The Quality Of Life

25. Landscape Furniture Of Royal Palaces And Malay Traditional Houses Muhammad Ariff Faisal Azhar, Aizuddin Iklil Shah Ahmad Shafiee and Nor Zalina

Harun

359

26. A Study On Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intention Among Quantity

Surveyors Nik Nur Azirah Mohamed Nor and Tan Chin Keng

375

27. Cultural Landscapes In Built Environment: A New Perspective Nurbazliah Zaidin, Mohd Ramzi Bin Mohd Hussain, Izawati Tukiman and Fitrynadia

Mohd Shahli

389

28. Mangrove Forest: Degradation And Rehabilitation Mazni Adibah Abd Rahman and M.Zainora Asmawi

398

29. Assessing The Values And Potentials Of Public Art In Campus Public

Space Ainul Samihah Albohari , Annur Jalilah Ramlan and Khalilah Zakariya

411

30. Islamic Landscape: The Interpretation And Viability Of Islamic

Courtyard In Malaysia Aisyah Mahmood, Noor Fatin Syakilla Zubir and Jasasikin Ab.Sani

429

31. A Study On The Effectiveness And Utilization Of Courtyard In

Kulliyyah Compound Norsyahira Ariffin, Nik Nor Asiah Nik Nor Azman and Putri Haryati Ibrahim

443


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ASPECT OF TREE FOR CONTROLLING OUTDOOR

MICROCLIMATE: A CASE STUDY IN IIUM

Mohamad Nur Ridhwan Bin Mohd Nordin1, Mohd Nasrul Nafizie Bin Mad

Nafiah1, Aniza Abu Bakar

2, Amira Nadhirah Mohamad

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ABSTRACT Trees have been known for their potential in controlling the microclimate. Trees can be differentiated

based on species and their physical aspect or character. This aspect has certain influence in the

screening potential of trees on solar radiation from reaching the ground. Identifying the characteristic

of tree capable in controlling the environmental problem at most is going to be the choice in designing

outdoor landscape with green element inside of it. Tree functioning to mitigate environmental problem

is highly needed to improve the air quality and make a proper shelter to protect from direct sunlight

heat. Understanding the tree is difficult as tree even between the same species have their own variable

strength level that is able to influence changes to the environment microclimate. Many factors needed

to be concern regarding the health of trees, shape, and size and planting method required to make an

effective impact. Other factors that will be also considered are wind speed, wind direction, air

temperature and relative air humidity in order to precisely describe the actual site microclimate

qualities. Observation and data collection in this study can help appropriately assess the environmental

benefits provided by green trees and useful inputs in designing landscape spaces to attain the result for

sustainable design. This paper will suggest the crucial aspect of tree that able to control outdoor

microclimate as future design guideline in proposing a park design.

Keywords: tree physical aspect, solar radiation, microclimate, urban heat island, sustainable design.

INTRODUCTION

A tree generally known as green element, softscape material or vegetation which

meant for human being as landscape resource that hold major influence in many

particular aspect of human life cycle. This research paper focuses on the aspect of

suitable tree for controlling outdoor microclimate. The approach is to understand the

crucial relationship of existing tree planted and microclimate surrounding the IIUM

campus. Research data collected include the information on the physical characteristic

of tree, spatial microclimate pattern, implication of landscape ecology and softscape

elements of IIUM campus.

Research for aspect of tree refers as a study to the physical form and

characteristic of tree, its species and the tree interaction to the environment that

change over a period of time and how the tree can be applied to make use of the tree

function in real time situation. It is to determine the norm and oddities of the tree in

different perspective that may help in providing beneficial impact at its best.

By understanding the possible aspect of tree, it helps to create guideline for the best

practice in using soft material to be applied for designing outdoor open space both

directly and indirectly. Each approach will have countermeasure consideration for the

tree to improve a landscape environment from problems regarding relative humidity

1 3

rd year Landscape Architecture Student, Dept. of Landscape Architecture, KAED, IIUM

2 Asst. Prof. at the Dept. of Landscape Architecture, KAED, IIUM

3 Postgraduate Student, Master of Science and Built Environment (MSBE), KAED, IIUM


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level, temperature, wind buffer and solar radiation shelter. Eliminating these problems

require a significant aspect of soft material to ensure high success rate in controlling

outdoor microclimate parameter especially in IIUM campus as it located at the earth

equator with high temperature every year. It can be something for educational and

work purposes as it explains the importance for people to appreciate the value and

acknowledge the respectful benefits it has to offer.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

For the sake of achieving the goal of this research paper, a number of objectives were

used to guide the research in making the steps required are properly arranged in the

right order. Each objective derived from the identification of surfacing research

problems and research questions from the investigated site. The objectives determine

the pattern of findings and conclusions which is predicted to get at the end of the data

collection.

The study is to understand the type and physical characteristic of a certain tree

found on site that capable of being the factor in changing outdoor microclimate. Data

gathered may help in making a clearer reason in order to understand a tree which act

as the base to further expand the possible relation with other aspect either with people,

environment or even with the other green element. Core data of tree help to examine

the relationship of tree and the outdoor microclimate. Verifying this may lead towards

narrowing down the point of searching the data which give significant influence of

tree to the environment. The interaction will affect each other in specific factor that

include relative humidity, air temperature, solar radiation and wind speed and its

direction. The data collected will be arranged accordingly to see the changes of data

in a period of time with other factors.

This research requires quantitative method which relies on measurable type of

data (Burn, 2000). Quantitative data provide data which use integrated devices since it

able to precisely measure data using numerical digit. Such data strengthen the reasons

of certain reading as statistic evaluation is accurate and near perfect since it is based

solely on raw data reading. The collected raw data is to be sorted to build a

comprehensive understanding of these elements that may influence the value of a

certain outdoor environment.

TREE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC AND OUTDOOR

MICROCLIMATE PATTERN Tree physical form, fitness and size are varying from each other and depend on how

much the tree consume for nutrient in growing process. For actively growing trees, in

photosynthesis process a tree will eventually remodeled into carbon containing

compounds which make up the part of tree trunks, stems, foliage, and roots by

referred to Starr et al. (2009). A tree type or species that have a bigger growth form

have a better and higher impact to the environment. Such tree could offer a well-made

shelter to block solar radiation from reaching the earth surface.

However, a number of trees and the exact type and species are required to

maintain a long sustainable low temperature. As mentioned by Hui (2006), the

balance of proposing right quantity of softscape and hardscape elements is still a bit

off, thus exceed the maximum load of carrying capacity of an area. Overload of

hardscape material could lead to the existence of urban heat island (UHI). Such

environmental problem could happen as hardscape element trapped moisture from


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undergo the process of evaporation. Moisture is required to be released from the soil

to cool down the air temperature.

Humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air (Ahrens, 2007).

As long as heat present, the heat energy will be absorbed by moisture and released to

the air in exchange for the use of heat energy. When heat ratio is overload on

humidity rate, surrounding air temperature will rise significantly due to lack of

humidity rate that is capable to handle the heat amount. From this research study, the

finding from the data should be able to show the value of relative humidity rate of

certain is required to handle heat from outdoor microclimate. Plus, the data is

expected to track the best and possible method to control air temperature to the

considerable level.

SITE INVESTIGATION IIUM campus in Gombak area is chosen as the site study. The reason of choosing this

site because this area is located at suburban area surrounded with trees. As this area

have many hardscape material, some green landscape may be affected with the heat

produced by hardscape material such as concrete buildings and paved soil surface.

With current setting, research may be conducted to differentiate microclimate

parameter between an area with lot of trees and area with lot of hardscape material

constructed. This will also help to generate idea on how a tree is capable on

controlling outdoor microclimate to an extreme condition.

Four sites in IIUM campus that represent Mahallah Ameenah open space, river

side between Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED) and

second gate guard post, IIUM square parade or helipad and rector residential area are

where the research study was conducted during the research process. River side and

rector house area considered to be more on the green covered site type while the other

two are more toward hardscape material site type. There are two categories of data

resource collected which are primary data and secondary data. Primary data collection

had been conducted through real time situation by doing on site observation.

Meanwhile, secondary data are reviewed through relevant studies and the previous

researchers whose had been studying about the site to improve understanding and gain

basic knowledge of tree characteristic, definition of outdoor microclimate, interaction

of tree and outdoor microclimate and evaluate the impact to the environment.

Research study had been carried out by basing on both type of quantitative

data and qualitative data collection. The observation techniques used to retrieve data

collection were through the books, articles, journal, laboratory’s reading equipment,

basic stationary tools and photographic survey.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The aim of this study is to identify the influence of the tree aspects on solar radiation

penetration to the ground with focus on typical trees that can be found in Malaysia.

Four case study sites at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) were

identified and selected in conducting this study refer figure 1.The four sites were

categorized into two types of open spaces: green and exposed, as shown in Table 1.


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Figure 1: The layout of IIUM indicating the location of the four sites

Table 1: The four sites for research case study in the IIUM and their categorization

Category Test sites Specific site criteria

Green

space

(GS)

Riverside (RS) Plenty of trees and shrubs with a stream flowing

within the site

Rector’s house (RC) On a hill top, surrounded with greeneries and plenty

of trees

Exposed

space

(ES)

Mahallah Aminah

(MA)

Wide turfed open field with small amount of trees,

and partially surrounded by buildings

Helipad (HP) Wide tarmac area with small number of trees at the

perimeter

The process of data collection was conducted within the month of Marchand April

2014 where the position of the sun is considered high in the Kuala Lumpur’s sky –

refer to figure 2, which was identified using the online tools www.sunearthtools.com.

This is also the time where a haze occurred during the research and data collection.

Figure 2: The sun position in the Kuala Lumpur sky in March (left) and April(right) 2014

Identification of area of study The investigated trees are located at the four test sites as mentioned previously. These

sites were identified based on two general categories which are green space and

http://www.sunearthtools.com/


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exposed space. “Green space” is referring to space with a lot of big and mature trees

as well as being well turfed, while “exposed space” reflected a space that has small

amount of trees which caused it to be exposed directly to the sun. Besides that, the

ground surface materials are also taken as among the factors considered in selecting

the sites for that research (Abu Bakar, et al, 2013).

Trees selection and the process of inventory Basically all trees within the four sites were identified by their common and scientific

names with total up to 139 trees with 19 different tree species. Mature trees with trunk

height not less than 1.5 meter were identified. The trees were examined, measured and

inventoried in advanced prior to measuring the solar radiation underneath the tree

canopy. The aspects of trees that were measured and inventoried are the trunk height

(TH), crown height (CH), diameter of the canopy (CD), foliage density (FD), single

leaf size (LS), twig (T) and branching structure (BS).Whenever the trees were higher

than the staff used (more than five meters) – approximation by ratio method was

applied. Figure 3 shows the equipment used in the process of the measurement (100

meter measuring tape and staff).

Based on field observation and adoption of the Likert scale, generally the

foliage density can be categorized into three which are loose density, medium density

and dense, and these categories are numbered as (1), (2) and (3) accordingly for the

purpose of analysis. Figure 2 shows the examples of trees and their foliage densities

of these three classifications.

Leaf size (LS), twigs (T) and branching structure (BS) are seen as important

tree aspects that influence the solar radiation screening potential of trees. For each

species, mature trees were selected to measure their single leaf size (length and width

– refer figure Y). Twig and branching structure were observed and upon

identification, they were classified and recorded based on categories such as side-by-

side and one-by-one, and picturesque, conical, rounded and irregular, respectively.

Figure 3: the process and

equipment used to

measure in the inventory

the tree height

Figure 4: types of foliage density: (1) loose

density, (2) medium density & (3) dense

Top - side view/elevation and below - canopy

view from underneath

(1) (2) (3)


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Environmental parameter and solar radiation reading process

In measuring and recording solar radiation and environmental parameters, two sites

are identified for a day – refer table 2.

Table 2: the dates and sites for solar radiation and

environmental parameter measurement for research

Other environmental parameter measured is air

temperature (ºC), relative humidity (%), wind speed

(m/s) and wind direction (º). Two types of solar

radiations reading were measured which are direct

solar radiation and solar radiation under the tree

canopies, for the purpose of comparing the

screening potential of each tree. Hence, two units of

solar meter model ISO-TECH ISM 410 were used –

refer Figure 4.The accuracy level is ±5%. One unit was located stationary under the

direct sunlight. The exposed solar radiation data was manually recorded after

gathering the data by each tree. While the other unit was hand-held to measure solar

radiation underneath tree canopy with time allocated for complete reading for each

tree is 2minutes. 30 second for each spot with three different measurements. Reading

started from North side, then East side, next is West side and last would be South side

of a tree. After the reading under a tree canopy, next will be exposed or direct solar

radiation reading from the sun.It was run at open space which is used to know the

exact amount of each tree able to screen solar radiation using it canopy.

Figure5: the solar meter used and the process to measure solar radiation (two images on left) and the

outdoor HOBO and Kestrel 4500 (two images on right)

In measuring the air temperature and relative humidity, four units of outdoor

HOBO were used where two units were allocated per site, and two units of Kestrel

4500 portable pocket weather station were used where one unit was allocated per site

– refer figure 4. These HOBO devices were stationed at shaded area (indicated as red

circle) and exposed area (indicated as red square) within the site – refer figure 8,

while each Kestrel 4500 was located at exposed area next to the HOBO. These two

types of devices were installed at sites for six days in different location between 8:00

a.m. to 6:00 p.m. respectively. Hence, measurement was taken for three days in total

for each of the four sites.

Date Site API

value:

3March2014 Helipad,

Rectory,

Riverside,

Mahallah

Ameenah

105

4March2014 110

5March2014 80

8March2014 59

9March2014 103

10March2014 107

14March2014 176

15March2014 121

16March2014 170


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Figure 7: A person must be

standing under one tree

canopy with body facing the

north when taking the solar

radiation reading

Figure 6: locations of equipment for each site (indicated in red spots) where the square

shape meant for both Kestrel and Hobo while circle shape for under a tree shade

No Equipment Readings

measured Unit

No. of unit

utilized

1 Solar radiation meter solar radiation W/m2 2

2 Kestrel portable pocket weather

station

wind speed m/s 2

wind direction °

3 Outdoor HOBO data logger air temperature °C

4 relative humidity %

Table 3: Equipment used and unit of readings

Following the analysis on daily mean solar radiation data

for Kuala Lumpur obtained from the Meteorology

Department, Malaysia (Abu Bakar, 2007), the process of

solar radiation measurement were decided to be conducted

between 12noon until 2pm due to the high reading of solar

radiation observed with an average reading beyond 400

Wh/m2

(1 year data).The height of the equipment to record

the reading for the solar radiation underneath the tree

canopy is set at human level of 1.5 meter from the ground

at taken at three points done consecutively – A, B, C and D

(refer figure 7)

The equipment is positioned well to allow its sensor to capture the solar

radiation reading while allowing the reading to be read and recorded. Three readings

were recorded manually three times at each point with the interval of five seconds,

and averaged. Between points, the interval is about one minute. These readings were

then averaged, and further compared with those taken under the direct sunlight. These

data were then keyed-in the Microsoft Excel for analysis. The rest of the

environmental parameter was recorded from 8am until 6pm. Four units of outdoor

HOBO were used to record data.

Each site has different number of trees where RC has the biggest number

followed by MA, RS and HP, hence it affects the period of recording the data. Haze

was experienced for several days as indicated in the said table and it affected the solar

radiation as well as other environmental parameter measurement.


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Monitoring equipment was used to record the reading of microclimate data.

Such data would be the relative humidity and air temperature using HOBO data

logger and wind speed with the direction using Kestrel meter that record data

automatically on site depending on the time interval.

DATA ANALYSIS Based on the methodology applied in the research, a number of data has been

analyzed and able to achieve the result to fulfill the aim and objectives of the research

study which is to verify the relationship between tree and outdoor microclimate. The

research has reached the understanding of how the interactions occur and the possible

significant changes between the two.

Each part of plants has their own specific factor that affects the capability rate

of that plant to absorb and reflect solar radiation. Commonly most factors are found in

tree crown and they are tree form leaf size, branching structure, twig formation, and

crown height.

During research we found that, the branching structure of the plant influence

the most solar radiation filtering capability of any plant involve in the study. For

example, spreading branching structure of Samanea saman tree give the plant wider

coverage of canopy but lower density of crown. While Cinnamomum verum which

have more up straight branching formation have smaller coverage of canopy but

denser crown. The tree branching structure also determines the whole overall form of

trees. For example; Filicium decipiens which have the same branching structure as

Cinnamomum verum have the same columnar form of tree. There are also other plant

forms that were found during the research which are: picturesque (Plumeria rubra),

conical (Calleryaatro purpurea), and irregular (Cocos nucifera).

Second most influential factor of trees that affect the tree’s solar radiation

filtering capability is the twig formation. There are two types of twig formation that

have been identified o research subject which are side by side and one by one:

The plant which having side by side twig formation has the denser leaves

development. This is because this type of twig formation allows the plant to grow

more leaves compared to the plant that have one by one twig formation. One by one

leaf formation was disadvantageous to form a denser foliage as the space beside has

no leaf to cover the other side. Meanwhile, type of tree with side by side leaf

Figure 9: side by side

leaf formation

Figure 8: one by one

leaf formation


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formation is able to cover both sides of twig at the same time. However, depending on

twig formation alone is still not enough.

Thirdly the height of crown from the ground surface also act as the affecting

factor that permit the trees solar radiation capability to filter solar radiation especially

the solar radiation that diffuse from other landscape element from all site of the trees.

The trees that have dense foliage but have too high trunk height cannot filter the solar

radiation well compared to the shorter trees that have same density of foliage. For

examples; Albizia falcate tree that grow at the riverside and the other same species &

condition of trees but shorter height that grow at the Helipad area.

Figure 10: dense and shorter Albiziafalcata left

and dense and higher Albiziafalcata

Figure 11: measuring the total surface area of leaf

through width and length

Fourthly, the factor that basically known for its function as solar radiation

filtering agent, is the leaf total surface area. Leaves also act as one indicator for

researcher to know the current health condition of tree and the most important thing is

leaf of tree sustains the tree. In congestion with this research the data about the actual

total surface area of tree is essential to help us investigate the amount of solar

radiation that can be filtered by the tree. Mangifera indica and Lagerstroemia indica

both have a big size and shape of leaf. These trees leaf form is different with Hopea

odorata and Acacia mangium that have rather smaller size leaf. Below is the table of

plant suitability and efficiency to filter the solar radiation according to the species. To

get this data we take the average of highest exposed solar radiation for every place as

100% percent of solar radiation that will be experience by the tree. Than they are

ranks from the best solar radiation filtering capability.


67

Table 4: Table of solar radiation reading for each species and both

minimum and maximum measurement of tree to screen solar radiation

LEGEND (for table 4):

Sp. = Species

Qty. = Quantity

SR = Solar Radiation

There are also other environmental factors that influences the microclimate

condition of site which are wind direction, wind speed, air temperature and relative air

humidity. Wind direction of this area is greatly affected by the geographical factor of

this region which is hilly. It is identified by the reading of Kestrel that shows the wind

blow toward the north point of the earth during the morning till 12. During the

evening till 1800 more fluctuation in data is recorded but it still blowing toward the

North and slightly to the North West. The cycle of the fluctuation is completed each

30 minutes for all sites.

1 Helipad 3 Maximum: 207.1 6% 219.7

2 Mahallah 1 Minimum: 60.3 95% 1130.7

3 Rectory 8 Maximum: 140.1 81% 751

4 Rectory 6 Minimum: 96.8 90% 1010.7

5 Maximum: 53.3

6 Minimum: 53.3


8 Rectory 46 Minimum: 58.2 89% 509


10 Rectory 58 Minimum: 57.5 90% 578.7

11 Rectory 66 Maximum: 81.9 77% 348.7

12 Rectory 64 Minimum: 66.4 86% 468

13 Maximum: 211.5

14 Minimum: 211.5

15 Mahallah 8 Maximum: 275.5 41% 466

16 Mahallah 6 Minimum: 59.6 86% 425


18 Mahallah 41 Minimum: 48.8 92% 639

19 Riverside 5 Maximum: 366.1 56% 835

20 Riverside 1 Minimum: 253.4 75% 1009

21 Helipad 6 Maximum: 360.3 59% 882

22 Rectory 27 Minimum: 145.2 70% 485

23 Rectory 4 Maximum: 319.3 61% 818.7



26 Rectory 17 Minimum: 139.7 74% 539

27 Maximum: 322.2

28 Minimum: 322.2

29 Helipad 8 Maximum: 494.2 41% 835.7

30 Rectory 68 Minimum: 168.8 69% 536.7

31 Mahallah 16 Maximum: 244.7 65% 689.3






37 Mahallah 39 Maximum: 360.8 48% 696.3


Total species and tree 19 139

10

24

1

4

18

8

10

4

4

1

4

12

7

2

3

4

1

No

53690%

51% 433.7

63% 861

Qty.

17

5

Weeping fig

Elephant apple

Mango

Dwarf date palm

Common NameBotanical Name

Leopard tree

Serdang

Pride of India

Silk tree

Mangium

Cinamomum

SR reading under

direct sunlight (W/m2)

Screened SR

by tree (%)

Tree

code

Site

location

Rain tree

Red flame

Ficus benjamina

Dillenia indica

Mangifera indica

Phoenix roebelenii

SR reading under tree

canopy (W/m2)

Fern tree

Cengal pasir

Coconut tree

Red frangipani

Artocarpus

odoratissimusRiverside 18

Callerya atropurpurea /

Melia indica

Terap

Purple Melia

Caesalpinia ferrea

Livistonia rotundifolia

Lagerstroemia speciosa

Albizia falcata

Acacia mangium

Cinnamomum verum

Hopea odorata

Cocos nucifera

Plumeria rubra

Jacaranda filicifolia Rectory 52Jacaranda

Samanea saman

Delonix regia

Filicium decipiens Rectory 10


68

.

Figure 12: The division of angular

data that represent wind direction.

Each section cover about 45o and the

0ostart at the North point of the

Wind speed is a phenomenon where the molecule of air moving to a place to

replace existing air molecule there. This phenomenon generally occurs because of the

energy (heat) transfer between hot to cold or cold to hot place. Wind speed help in

balancing the air temperature and relative air humidity as when air travels it bring the

element with them. Below is graph that show the overall pattern of wind speed at all

the site throughout the research

Figure 13: Graph of average wind speed measured for each site

Helipad Rectory

Residential

Riverside

KAED

Mahallah

Aminah

Max Wind

Speed

(average) ms-1

1.633 1.533 2.767 1.789

Time 0000 1715 1230 1600 1715

Date

DD,MM,2014

3,15,16 / March

/ 2014

2,4,16 / March /

2014

5,14,15 / March

/ 2014

8,9,14 / March /

2014

Table 5: table of Kestrel 4500 data on maximum wind speed at each site

Air temperature plays very important role to sustain human activity in a

particular space. During the research, air temperature measurement was held in the

All sites average wind speed ms-1


69

most extreme possible condition where it was ‘summer’ in this region so that the data

is reliable to be use during other season. We also found that, air temperature of

surrounding is directly related to the percentage of relative water humidity in the air

where; “The higher air temperature, the higher the loss of relative humidity of air”.

Figure 14:average air temperature reading

recorded on an exposed area

Figure 15: average air temperature reading record

under ashade of tree

Figure 16: average relative humidity reading

recorded on an exposed area

Figure 17: average relative humidity reading

recorded under a shade of tree

LEGEND (for figure14, 15, 16, 17):

AT = Air temperature MA = Mahallah Ameenah

RH = Relative humidity RC = Rector House

HP = Helipad RS = Riverside

An analysis of data from Hobo data logger has shown a practical idea and

understanding as interaction occurs between different outdoor microclimate

parameter. The data also prove that a green shade from tree could make changes to the

surrounding air temperature. Tree shade also seems to be able to retain a lower air

temperature for a long time. Maintaining low temperature would require a lot amount

of moisture in the air. As heat from sunlight prevent moisture from evaporating is

blocked by tree foliage, air temperature will response by lowering air temperature.

At peak, the differences of air temperature may reach from 1°C to 2°C higher

at open space rather than the shaded area under a tree. During this time, the amount of

relative humidity was also different between open space and tree shaded area. A

different value from 3% up to 6% may be achieved.


70

From the analyzed data collected, it can be also concluded that form, size and

characteristic of tree offer prominent feature that capable in changing the outdoor

microclimate which should also be affecting value of relative humidity, air

temperature and solar radiation penetration. This practice would be successful as the

use of soft material is in balance properly.

CONCLUSION

Based on this research there are indeed significant value of tree according to species

that can be propose in any new or existing development on land. Each part of plant

that made up the tree has its own capability in absorbing and reflecting the solar

radiation from the sun. Each plant has their own specialty in controlling outdoor

microclimate in certain spaces and condition of surrounding. This study also tells us

there is also some need of the plant in order for them to survive and serve well.

Robustness of plant is closely related to biotic and abiotic factor in environment

which they live. Human activities such as open burning have affected the reading of

microclimate on the early of March because it also directly affects the quality of air.

This worsens the increase of temperature of surrounding involved area. This annual

phenomenon also increases the health problem among local people. Some other

environmental factor such as wind speed, wind direction, air temperature and relative

air humidity are actually working together in providing sustainable local microclimate

as what Allah had already imprinted to that place. It is our responsibility to maintain

the good environment for our child.

RECOMMENDATION

In order to improve the current microclimatic condition of area of studied sites the

local authority should be more concern about functional aspect of the plant species

rather than aesthetic value of plant. In designing landscape, the type of trees that will

be chosen must appropriate following several guideline to ensure its optimum

efficiency in fulfilling its intended function. Such tree would be Samanea saman,

Mangifera indica and Cinnamomum verum as these trees were found to have an excel

performance in reducing air temperature for a cooler area. For palm tree, it should be

Cocos nucifera dwarf as it capable to make an area with extreme high temperature for

tropical region to have more comfortable area to do outdoor activity.

For example in Mahallah Aminah they planted palm that have low trunk and

crown height, and low density of foliage in the middle of the green space where

people not even used that particular space that is Phoenix roebelenii. Instead of

planting this palm, it is better to plant Cocos nucifera dwarf which provide a better

shelter from sunlight and wider foliage form that allow people to stay under it during

the day. The medium height of palm tree also make the foliage closer to earth surface

which prevent the palm shade from moving to other side that may happen due to time

lapse and earth rotation during the day.

Maintenance of planted trees must also be brought to higher level. As during

the field observation there are many trees from Samanea saman and Albizia falcata

which were planted along the pedestrian walkway have brittle branches as they are

infected by parasite organism. The fertilizing process must also be done not according

to already made schedule but according to the need. For example, a plant that planted

at the slope may need more fertilizer than plant that planted at flat ground. For


71

example, Samanea saman species at the Helipad border, they have small leaves and

lower density of branch compared to the Samanea saman at the flat riverside area.

To avoid worse microclimate factor become worsen like what happen when

there is haze, all individual or any party should work together to prevent and avoid

open burning whether it big or small. Government as the body that have power on

engaging this situation should be more agile and aggressive in performing their duty

as the protector of people.

REFERENCES Abu Bakar, A. (2007), User response to thermal comfort of outdoor urban spaces in hot-

humid region. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Abu Bakar, A., Mohamad, A.N., and Sanusi, A.N.Z. (2013), The impact of the landscape

setting on the hot-humid outdoor microclimate towards mitigating the urban heat

island – A preliminary investigation, in: International Conference of Architecture and

Built Environment 2013, 7 and 8 November 2013, Kuala Lumpur

Ahrens, C.D., (2007). Meteorology Today, Thompson Brooks/Cole, U.S.A., pp. 89.

Burns, R. B., (2000). Introduction to Research Methods (3rd

Edition). Melbourne: Addison

Wesley Longman.

Hui, C., (2006). “Carrying capacity, population equilibrium, and environment's maximal

Load”. Ecological Modelling, 192, pp.317–320.

Starr, C., Taggart, R., Evers, C., Starr, L. (2009). Volume 4: Plant Structure & Function.

Massachusetts, USA. pp.453-455.

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